A small but determined group turned out for Track & Field on Wednesday 10th December, with steady rain dampening the track but certainly not spirits.
On the track in the 600m, Heath Lee took out the junior heat in confident style, stopping the clock at 2:14.71. He was followed by Jack Saviane (2:23.83) and Matthew Sproule (2:24.87). Youngsters Rosie Saviane and Kayleigh Kingdom both enjoyed solid runs and, as always, finished with beaming smiles.
The senior 600m heat was a tightly contested affair. Evie Binney claimed the win in 1:58.03, with Emerson Boatswain close behind in 1:58.37 and Leith Babian easing home for third in 1:58.93. It was great to see Dean Bryce return to the track, finishing eighth in 2:07.28, while Erich Moeller-Duhme also put together a strong run in 2:44.86.
In the sprint program, some quick times were recorded by Caleb Saunders (7.87), Hamish McLaren (8.04) and Alisha Mustapic (8.81). Solid performances were also posted by Kadance Naylor (9.05), Leith Babian (9.14), Ieremaia Falemoe (9.23), Kai Thirwall (9.46) and Andrew Heffill (9.74).
A Sproule family showdown added extra excitement to the track, with Lily Sproule taking the win; and the bragging rights, in 8.55. Josie Sproule followed in 9.09, ahead of Ben Sproule (9.63) and Matthew Sproule (11.39). David Sproule was forced to pull up early with a leg strain but still crossed the line in fifth in 12.17, while Willy Sproule rounded out the family challenge in 12.50.
The night concluded on the track with the 1500m, run in persistent rain. Leith Babian claimed a comfortable win in 5:22.45, followed by Declan Bennett (5:34.41) and Lily Sproule (5:38.68). Lana Crawford finished close behind in 5:39.00, just edging out Will Heffill (5:39.01). Lani Parmenter recorded a strong run to finish 13th in 8:08.64, and as always, young Grace Parmenter showed great determination to complete the event in 18th place in 10:23.38.
In the field, the high jump was keenly contested. Andrew Heffill soared the highest, clearing the bar at 1.25m. Kai Thirwall, Ieremaia Falemoe and William Heffill all cleared 1.20m, while Heath Lee, Benjamin Sproule, Jack Saviane and Heidi Saviane each cleared 1.15m. Champion efforts were also recorded by Jaxon Keogh (0.95m), Jameson Day (0.95m), Xander Day (0.80m), Lani Parmenter (0.80m), Hazael Saviane (0.75m) and Hamish Bennett (0.70m). Many of these athletes are still learning the art of high jump under the guidance of dedicated volunteer Liv Saviane.
In the shot put circle, both junior and senior athletes tested their strength. Tim Musson produced the longest throw of the night with 11.01m. Kadance Naylor recorded a strong throw of 10.23m, while Anne Boatswain (8.80m) and Braxton Naylor (8.17m) also impressed. Other solid efforts came from Merelei Falemoe (7.44m), Cobey Lee (6.17m) and Aurora Boatswain (5.97m).
Javelin also saw some strong performances, with Hamish McLaren recording the longest throw of the night at 40.55m. Tim Musson followed with 36.85m, ahead of Kadance Naylor (34.25m). It was great to see Dean Bryce trying his arm in the field, reaching 26.36m, while Lauren Naylor threw 24.74m and Ellie Cooper 23.59m.
Don’t forget to join us next week for the final track and field action of the year! We will have a 300m, some fun relays and the popular annual Christmas Mile as well as some Christmas-themed throws in discus and shot put. We encourage everyone to wear their brightest Christmas attire with prizes for best dressed.